Islamabad: The complete strike launched in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) against high prices of wheat flour, electricity and high taxes continued for the fourth day on Monday. Due to the strike, the situation remains tense in the entire area. At the same time, after the violent clashes between security forces and protesters, the Pakistan government has intensified efforts to control the situation. Earlier, at least one police officer was killed and more than 100 people were injured in clashes during the protest. Most of the injured were policemen.
what is the demand
Life came to a standstill due to the complete strike on Friday. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is likely to hold a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss the current situation after talks between the protesters and the state government failed. Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) are demanding fixing of electricity prices as per the cost of hydropower generation in the region, end of subsidy on wheat flour and privileges of the elite class.
allegations against the government
Under the leadership of JAAC, a long march was taken out in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. After no solution was found in talks between the JAAC Core Committee and area Chief Secretary Dawood Barach, the protesters announced to march towards Muzaffarabad. A protest leader from Rawalakot accused the government of adopting evasive tactics.
The protest continues
According to the news published in Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the protesters have already closed the Kohala-Muzaffarabad road at many places and are sitting on strike there. It was reported in the news that a large number of police forces have been deployed at intersections and sensitive places. Markets, business centers and educational institutions are closed, while transport services are at a standstill. Rangers were called after clashes broke out between police and protesters in Mirpur on Saturday.
PM said- will not tolerate
Expressing concern over violent clashes between police and protesters, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said, “Taking the law into one’s own hands will not be tolerated at all.” Sharif said he had spoken to PoK’s so-called Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq. He has also directed all Pakistan Muslim League-N officials of the area to talk to the leaders of the Action Committee. He said, “I urge all parties to adopt peaceful means to resolve their demands.” Despite the best efforts of the opponents, it is expected that the matter will be resolved soon.
What did the President say?
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari urged everyone to exercise restraint and resolve issues through dialogue and mutual consultation. He stressed that political parties, state institutions and people of the region should act responsibly so that opponents cannot take advantage of the situation for their own benefit. The President also said that the demands of the people of the area should be met as per the law. He said he would discuss these issues with Prime Minister Sharif to find a way out of the current situation. Zardari expressed regret over the current situation, saying the death of the police officer was unfortunate.
normal life is being affected
Let us tell you that on Saturday, the protesters had damaged many vehicles including a magistrate’s car on the Poonch-Kotli road. Apart from this, markets, business centres, offices, schools and restaurants also remained closed in the entire area. After violence in various places of PoK, police took action against the protesters and arrested dozens of people in Muzaffarabad. Mobile phone and internet services were also suspended in various parts of the region. (Language)
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